Friday, February 25, 2011

Ah, the Isle of Arran. I do not know much about this Isle in Scotland but it just sounds dreamy to me. And this is where our Jet of the Day, Olga of OV Gillies Designs, lives and creates.

You will be transported to a dreamy state as soon as you arrive at OV Gillies Designs on Etsy.com, Each handcrafted piece of jewelry, and each photograph so beautifully constructed. The effect of seeing her handmade jewelry pieces all at once is dramatic. As Olga tells us “There are many reflections and echoes, often coming together in unique creations.”

Olga is a metalsmith but uses many jewelry techniques to construct her diverse collection.

For olga, a simple handmade earwire in Sterling requires melting, forging, bending, twisting, hammering oxidizing and filing, until it looks like a perfect cross between a petal & marquise shape.

Olga's influences range from floral to urban, by the way of seaside, with inspiration from the places she has been to, the place where she lives, through literature & classic influences, to the discovery of something new every so often.

Pale pastel colors, bright rainbow colors, earth tones, whatever your style, Olivia has something perfect. And if you do not see it in her store, Olivia loves doing custom work and will work closely with you to design the jewelry of your dreams or the perfect gift for someone special.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Writing about our Jet of the Day has been such an interesting undertaking for me. The vast talent and creativity of our team always impress me. In addition, the roads that so many of our lives have taken to be where we are today astound me.

Niranjan (Pronounced "Ner-In-Jun"), from Nikha Jewelry is no exception to this! Her life has moved from boarding school in India at a young age, to working as a truck mechanic in the Army, and now, studying Geology full time, (specifically Volcanoism). With this, she still finds time to devote herself to her 10 year old daughter, her 12 year old jewelry design collection, and taking a little side course on cutting gemstones!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Stephanie is the NYC based artist behind the incredible jewelry collections of Metaliciousand I am happy to feature her as our Jet of the Day today. Happy, yes, but very challenged. I have fallen in love with so many pieces that I do not know where to begin. Lets start with Stephanie and her inspiration in her own words:

"Metalicious is forged from my passion to create using both my hands and my imagination. My creativity is influenced by science and nature, forming a balance that translates into my work. From architecture to tree bark to brick walls, there is beauty and perfection in every form and texture"

Stephanie’s inspiration comes from the pureness of form, the vibrant color and sparkle of gemstones, diamonds and precious metals, and her desire to create timeless designs. She makes each original piece by hand using various techniques, from traditional metalsmithing to unconventional wirework.

Solid quality is a hallmark in mcr designs. In the "Awake" bracelet, polished faceted chunky green jasper and rusty carnelian are used and mimic the colors of a garden just awakening. Maureen completes this piece using her "sassy wire wraps:, an oversized lobster clasp, a bit of chain and a soldered shut jump ring. All metal is sterling silver, hand oxidized by Maureen.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

MarcieJane is one of those jewelry artists on our JET that always amazes me. The diversity in her jewelry pieces and thus, her talent, is vast. Take a peek with me, at the multiple talents of MarcieJane Designs.

First, I will show you her Recycled Vintage Pop Bottle Cap Pendants, (yes there is a beer cap version too!). Nostalgia and kitsch combined with fine jewelery artistry make these the greatest nostalgic jewelry item I have ever seen.

And for beer lovers, or lovers of beer lovers:
there are lots to choose from

Now, off to see another totally different style of jewelry requiring a completely different skillset.